What's new?

Sometimes there are initiatives and other developments in the Barossa which strictly don’t fall within our definition of ‘news’ or ‘current affairs’ - nor are they necessarily ‘news for tourists’, or reflections on tourism events.  

They are nevertheless worthy of exposure to those of us who live in the Valley - and equally may be of interest to tourists who pass through looking beyond ‘traditional’ Barossa tourist experiences. 

On this page we’ll be putting a focus on the new, the quirky, the places, the people and the businesses whose enterprise nevertheless play a major role in making the Barossa great. 

If you’ve got a suggestion for a subject for this page, please contact us here with details.
DAN MURPHY'S GAWLER BRINGS ICONIC BAROSSA WINEMAKERS TOGETHER...
Some of the best winemakers and wineries in the Barossa have embraced the opening of the discount liquor chain, Dan Murphy's, in Gawler, brushing off early fears that the Woolworths’ controlled super store might ‘steal the thunder’ of the traditional cellar doors within the Valley.
At the store’s official ‘grand opening’ on Saturday April 9, it was clear that some of the Valley’s best known names and wineries were happy that the store had opened on the doorstep of the Valley and that were looking forward to working with the store to bring a heightened understanding of Barossa wines and its personalities to Dan Murphy's customers.

And the feelings of the store’s Manager and staff were reciprocal as they hosted wine tastings in and around the heritage-listed former church which forms a major part of the store  - and where its fine red wines are located, including many iconic and hard-to-get Barossa wines.

At the opening, customers were all smiles as they chatted to winemakers (and a Barossa cider maker!), tasting the wines on offer and marveling at the restoration and renovation of the fine old Gawler Baptist Church.

See our pictures at right, then hear from some of the winemakers and their thoughts on this addition to the Barossa Valley experience......  
Below, Chris Ringland, from Chris Ringland Wines, Ebenezer
Below, Hugo Bowen from The Barossa Cider Co, Marananga
...and to finish off, hear from Dan Murphy's Gawler Manager Michael Wynn on the success of the day!
Designer Living!

Like all country regions, Barossa townships are not immune to empty main street shops, but fortunately the modest economic buoyancy of the region in these tough times means that retail spaces are not left empty for long.

One of the retail spaces vacated in Tanunda’s busy retail hub - the former Radio Rentals building opposite Tanunda’s supermarket - could have had a devastating effect on local morale had it been left empty for long.

Fortunately the large space has been taken up by a retailer who not only has given life to the building, but also added a refreshing modern home interior-design vibe to the region.

‘Living By Design’ brings a modern freshness to interior (and exterior) furnishing fit-out - and with the increasing numbers of new families attracted by the region’s lower housing costs, Living By Design’s modern and interesting home decoration wares fill a much needed gap in the Valley’s retail space.  

We wandered through Living By Design with our camera for this look.  If you’re a local, get in and support them.  If you’re a tourist, call in too - there might just be something there that you won’t get at home!  
​